Alabama dream ends happily for Andy Pappanastos

Alabama place kicker Andy Pappanastos talks about living out his dream of playing for the Crimson Tide heading into Monday's national title game with Georgia.
Kamarri Darrington

Alabama kicker Andy Pappanastos (12) signs autographs for fans during the Alabama Media Day for the College Football Playoff in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday January 6, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

ATLANTA — Alabama senior kicker and Montgomery native Andy Pappanastos has had a year’s worth of up and downs in the infamous position of place-kicker in Tuscaloosa.

Pappanastos began his career with a 3-for-5 field-goal effort in the season opener against Florida State, then was the possible goat when he missed a 41-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter at Mississippi State.

Pappanastos, a Trinity graduate, said he's learned to handle adversity throughout the season.

"I've learned to just be ready and stepping back onto the field," Pappanastos said. "That's gone into my life outside of football, knowing that you're in the position where you're supposed to be."

Pappanastos, a Trinity grad, said kicking for Alabama has been more exciting than he imagined when he transferred from Ole Miss.

Pappanastos only got to play in five games in two seasons for the Rebels from 2014-2015.

Alabama kicker Andy Pappanastos (12) during the Sugar Bowl Alabama Media Day at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. on Saturday December 30, 2017. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

Against his former school earlier this season, Pappanastos knocked through a career-high nine extra points in a 66-3 win for Alabama.

“It’s been awesome,” Pappanastos said. “For me, just being here has been really cool. It’s been fast forward getting here. It’s gone by quick. A lot of us are from Montgomery and really contributed this year. Each of us take a lot of pride in that.”

Pappanastos finished the season making 18 of 25 field goals and all 56 extra-point attempts.

Pappanastos said coming through with a game-winning kick was something he always dreamed of, but didn't get many chances during Alabama's run to Atlanta.

"I'm always ready, no matter what the situation is," Pappanastos said. "It'd be really important to have my number called at the end of the game. You live that dream as a kid, and just to have that opportunity would be really awesome."

Pappanastos had the chance to live out his dream in Monday's national championship game with Georgia, but his 36-yard field goal attempt went wide left at the end of regulation. He was 2-for-4 on field goals on the night.

The Alabama offense picked up its teammate, scoring an overtime touchdown on a 41-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa to DeVonta Smith for a 26-23 win.

Despite missing the potential championship-winning kick, Pappanastos was steady in his only full-time season at Alabama.

Alabama kicker Andy Pappanastos (12) kicks a field goal against Clemson in first half action in the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. on Monday January 1, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)(Photo: .)

As for his immediate future, Pappanastos said he may give it a shot at Alabama's pro day this upcoming spring.

Pappanastos, who received his master's degree in December, has already started looking at medical sales jobs in Birmingham just in case a pro football career isn't in sight.

His father, Paul, is the vice president and chief operating officer at Physicians Professional Management (PPM) in Montgomery.

Pappanastos said growing up around the medical field raised his interest in pursuing a career.

"I've been able to make a couple of connections," Pappanastos said. "Hopefully, a door opens, and that's something that I'll be happy to do. It just shows that you can be successful in anything that you decide to do."

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Andy Pappanastos hit a career-long 46-yard field in Alabama's 41-23 win over Colorado State on Saturday.
Kamarri Darrington/Advertiser